Huge boost for Arsenal as Real Madrid pull out of race for January target

Arsenal appear to have a clear run at young holding midfielder Lucas Silva from Brazilian outfit Cruzeiro, with Spanish publication AS reporting that La Liga giants Real Madrid have pulled out of the running for the player and will not pursue him in the January window.

Silva has been one of the most impressive performers for Cruzeiro in the Brasileiro so far this season as they have risen to the top of the table – and he looks primed to be the next Brazilian star to make the move to a major European league.

Arsenal now appear to be the leading contenders for his signature, such is their need for a defensive midfield player and the fact that their rivals in this particular transfer battle appear to be falling by the wayside.